🎓 Prepared by students from Boğaziçi University

What is Mitosis and Cell Division?

Mitosis is the process of nuclear division in which one diploid cell produces two identical diploid daughter cells. It is the basis of growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms.

Short answer

Mitosis divides one cell into two identical cells through four phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase, followed by Cytokinesis (cytoplasm division).

Stages of Mitosis

1
Prophase
Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes; centrioles move to poles; spindle begins to form.
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2
Metaphase
Chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate (metaphase plate).
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3
Anaphase
Sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite poles of the cell.
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4
Telophase
Chromosomes decondense; nuclear envelopes reform around each set.
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5
Cytokinesis
Cytoplasm divides (cleavage furrow in animal cells; cell plate in plant cells).

Step-by-step worked examples

A cell in G1 phase has 46 chromosomes. After mitosis, each daughter cell has…

Before mitosis (G1): 46 chromosomes (diploid, 2n).
After S phase: 46 replicated chromosomes (each is 2 sister chromatids).
After mitosis: 2 cells, each with 46 unreplicated chromosomes.
Each daughter cell is identical to parent and to each other.

If a plant cell is 10 micrometers in diameter, what is typical during Metaphase?

Metaphase: chromosomes aligned at equator.
Cell still ~10 μm, prepared for anaphase separation.

Why is mitosis called 'equational division'?

Unlike meiosis (reduction), mitosis maintains chromosome number.
Daughter cells have same chromosome count as parent.
Genetic material is equally distributed.

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.After mitosis, daughter cells are…

Correct answer: B. Mitosis produces identical copies with same chromosome number as parent (diploid).

Q2.Sister chromatids separate during…

Correct answer: C. Anaphase: spindle pulls sister chromatids to opposite poles.

Q3.Chromosomes align at metaphase plate during…

Correct answer: B. Metaphase: chromosomes line up at cell equator.

Q4.Cytokinesis in animal cells involves…

Correct answer: C. Cleavage furrow pinches cytoplasm; plant cells form cell plate differently.

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Common mistakes

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Mitosis copies chromosomes. — Correct: DNA is already copied (S phase); mitosis just distributes copies equally.

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Mitosis produces 4 cells. — Correct: Mitosis produces 2 cells. (Meiosis produces 4.)

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Daughter cells in mitosis are different. — Correct: Daughter cells are genetically identical.

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Cytokinesis is part of mitosis. — Correct: Cytokinesis (cytoplasm division) overlaps with telophase but is technically separate.

FAQ

What is the purpose of mitosis?

Growth, repair, and asexual reproduction—produces identical cells for replacing worn-out tissues.

What are the four phases of mitosis?

Prophase (condensation), Metaphase (alignment), Anaphase (separation), Telophase (decondensation and envelopes).

How long does mitosis take?

Usually 1–2 hours in typical cells; varies by cell type and conditions.

Does mitosis occur in all cells?

No — mature red blood cells and some nerve cells do not divide. Actively growing tissues divide frequently.